200 vs 2000: Are High End Task Chairs Worth the Money?
When you are searching for an ergonomic chair it's easy to notice the higher prices. However, quality ergonomic office chairs cost more for several reasons.
The old adage, "People come in all shapes and sizes," is a tired cliché to a lot of people. To those who design and manufacture office chairs, it becomes a daily reminder of the task they face: making chairs that fit a varied population. Walk through any organization and you'll see people of vastly different sizes and proportions.
With the amount of time we all spend sitting in our office chairs, it’s important we choose an office chair that is well-designed, safe, and comfortable. However, higher quality usually comes with a higher price tag. Here are a few reasons why good ergonomic chairs cost more:
1. Research and Development
To address the discomforts of sitting, chair designers turn to the science of anthropometry- the study of body measurement- to help determine dimensions of chairs. The best ergonomic chairs have years of research behind them, and some of that cost is built into the end product. The price is paying for a seat that has been developed to save your body from pain and stress.
2. Durability
Cheap office chairs can develop an earlier onset of wear and tear. The cushions flatten, the structure becomes unstable. A quality ergonomic chair will be more expensive because it is created to be durable for a longer period of time. On average, a quality office chair can last 8-15 years. Most come with a warranty service for when it finally gets worn down, making it well worth the upfront cost.
3. Adjustability
Ergonomic chairs are designed to be as close to "one size fits all" as possible. A high end ergonomic chair will allow you to adjust the seat height, back, depth, angle, tension, lumbar support, and more to fit to your body. These additional adjustments require more parts on the chair itself which influences the price.
The upfront cost of a high quality office chair may seem steep, but the payout will be even higher over the long-term.
